Group hopeful that Toscan du Plantier trial will take place in France

A group representing family and friends of Sophie Toscan du Plantier believes a trial over her killing will take place in France, in a suspect's absence.

The filmmaker was murdered near her holiday home in West Cork 17 years ago, and no-one has been convicted of the crime.

The vice president of the 'Association for the Truth about the Murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier' said this morning that her parents and son will get justice for her death, "at least" from the French side.

Two members of the group will visit Ireland this weekend to hold a press conference.

One of them - Jean Antoine Bloc Daude, says the enquiries of a French judge into the case could be nearing an end.

"The file of the enquiring judge, a French judge, is almost complete, I should say," he said.

"We do not know what conclusion he will draw form his file, but we're expecting a trail in absentia against a suspect."